In order to avoid causing inadvertent harm to their neighbors, househo

In order to avoid causing inadvertent harm to their neighbors, householders ought to evade politely or refuse to answer a stranger’s questions regarding their neighbors, unless the stranger provides some proof of being a government official pursuing official inquiries, in which case the questions should be answered truthfully.

In which one of the following situations does Mary act in accordance with the principle above?

(A) A man claiming to be a private detective asked Mary whether her neighbor ever entertained guests overnight. Mary, though unsure of the facts, said that her neighbor never did so, and later told the neighbor about the suspicious questioner.

(B) A stranger showing a police badge asked Mary whether her neighbor was away on vacation. Because several homes in the neighborhood had recently been burglarized while their owners were vacationing, Mary lied and said no.

(C) When asked by a confused-looking couple whether the house next door belonged to a Mr. Brown, who, they said, was expecting them for dinner, Mary answered that it did not, and pointed out Mr. Brown’s house.

(D) Immigration officers, showing valid identification and asserting that they were on official business, asked Mary whether a neighbor who belonged to a local church that offered sanctuary to refugees lacking visas had sheltered any such refugees. Mary gave an evasive answer and warned her neighbor.

(E) A woman claiming to be an insurance adjuster asked Mary whether her neighbor owned any vehicles other than the ones currently parked in the neighbor’s driveway. Mary answered that the adjuster would have to ask her neighbor as she herself did not really know.